10 Craziest Method Acting Behind Great Performances
5. Mickey Rourke Spent Time With Russian Prisoners - Iron Man 2
For his comeback in The Wrestler, Mickey Rourke piled on the muscle and learned to run the ropes. It was a staggering performance, well worth the effort.
For Iron Man 2, Rourke flew himself to Russia to meet with prisoners and learn about the significance of their intricate tattoos. He also spent months studying the language, dedicating two or three hours to this.
It was neither a staggering performance, nor even remotely worth the effort.
In fairness, Rourke is easily the best thing about Iron Man 2. Ivan Vanko is a ludicrous, sneering snarling baddie, and Rourke adds a much needed jolt of energy to proceedings with his amped up villainy. Clearly he was excited to have a second chance at Hollywood success, and wanted to do everything in his power to keep things on track. He was on his best behaviour.
Rourke reminded the world how great an actor he could be in The Wrestler, but the likes of Iron Man 2, not to mention the more niche offerings he went on to feature in, are not the best gauge of his talent. He’s more than willing to put in the work, if only he could find a role suitable to his skills.